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Malaysian Borneo
Cultural Heritage of Indigenous Tribes Will children of the forest be able to preserve their tribal culture?
FEATURE
Written and photographed by Cami Ismanova
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2020
Relics of animism that belonged to the ancestors of the Iban people.
O
ne fine, rainy evening, I was walking down the street to visit the local Central Market in Kuala-Lumpur, Malaysia. I was excited to dive into the lively market life and get swirled into the storm of aromas. I knew for sure it was going to be a treat! I entered the market through a back gate and saw rows of fabrics, handmade soap, candles, local jewelry, traditional items of clothing, and souvenir shops.
I found out that the Art House Gallery and Museum of Ethnic Arts focuses on the culture and art of the indigenous people of Southeast Asia. This mini museum is the one and only museum dedicated to tribal and ethnic art in the region. The owner, Leonard Yiu, has been collecting and dealing with items of art for 30 years. He offered me a tour around the museum and the gallery, patiently answering dozens of my questions.
I was walking from one shop to another when I stumbled into an art shop. I got curious, for I believe art is a major inspiration for someone who enjoys writing. I have no doubt I looked enchanted as I slowly absorbed every single painting I laid an eyes on. It was then that I saw the sign “Art House Gallery” up above the first floor. “It wouldn’t hurt to check it out,” I thought, and began my journey into the history of ethnic culture of Malaysian indigenous tribes.
Every single time I stopped in front of some painting, tribal mask, or native clothing, he would share an interesting story about each of them. So, if you ever visit this place, you will surely get an amazing guide. As you can judge from its title, the Art House consists both of a gallery and a museum. The gallery has a great collection of portraits, still lifes, landscapes, and abstract paintings. You are free to purchase
